Government review of betting shop machines

News came out of Brighton that the Government are planning on hauling back the money-making machines that prompt bookies to open new shops on any available street corner. While a parliamentary committee suggested removing the cap of four machines per shop, reports suggest the Prime Minister might back Liberal Democrat minister Don Foster's plan to lower the stakes to £2 per play.

This is a good thing. The fixed odd betting machines that are only allowed in bookies, can currently take thousands of pounds an hour out of your pocket, and councils, despite not always wanting more to open, find they are unable to say no.